The COVID-19 pandemic may not have felt like it had as big of an impact in 2021 as it did in 2020. But one thing that came from COVID-19 that's still in place is the NCAA's eligibility rules from the 2020 season.
Prior to that season, the NCAA announced that players wouldn't use a year of eligibility if they played in 2020. So a junior in 2020 would still be classified as a junior in 2021.
That means that for the 2022 season, there are a number of guys who will be returning for a fifth, "super senior" year of sorts.
There were plenty of talented seniors in 2021, and a number of them opted to return for another season in 2022. Let's run through college football's top "super seniors" to watch next season.
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker
Hendon Hooker was a former 4-star QB prospect out of Greensboro, North Carolina. He spent the first three seasons of his career at Virginia Tech, where he played in 21 games over three seasons.
But transferring to Tennessee after the 2020 season turned out to be a good decision for the QB. Hooker had the best season of his collegiate career with the Vols in 2021. He threw for 2,945 yards and 31 touchdowns with just three interceptions and rushed for another five scores, as well.
Hooker may have an even bigger season in 2022. Returning players alongside the Tennessee QB include leading rusher Jabari Small, Hooker's go-to receiver in Cedric Tillman and four offensive linemen.
Tennessee will be looking to improve on its 7-6 mark from 2021. Having Hooker come back next season is a great first step to do just that.
Georgia DB Christopher Smith
The Georgia Bulldogs will be looking to defend their 2021 national title next season. Having Christopher Smith return for the Dawgs' defense will be a big key for UGA to do just that.
Smith started just five games for Georgia during his first three seasons in Athens. But he had a breakout season in 2021, getting 34 total tackles and three interceptions last season in 11 starts. During Georgia's Week 1 game against Clemson, Smith's 74-yard interception return for a touchdown sealed the Dawgs' 10-3 win.
His best game of the season came against Alabama in the CFP National Championship. Smith finished the game with seven total tackles, a third-quarter interception and helped block for Kelee Ringo on a game-sealing pick returned 70 yards for a touchdown.